Otic Cytology: Your Secret Weapon Against OE

In clinical practice, cytology can efficiently provide us with diagnostic and treatment pathways for even the most brain-busting cases. Cytology is particularly useful in ear cases, offering clarity in both monitoring progress and assessing resolution. As a readily available tool that is quick, cheap, and yields instant results, cytology is an ideal in-house first line of screening.  

Otitis externa (OE) is a complex disease with various possible underlying causes. When done correctly, cytology gives strong indications as to what organisms are at play with a dog’s OE. By exploring the cause as well as treating the symptoms, you can save time, pain, and money for your patient and client. The combination of cytology and topical ear treatments like Neptra is vital for the effective treatment of OE. 

Why we need cytology 

Cytology should be the first diagnostic test on your agenda. Omitting this simple and fast tool is “like treating a fracture without an x-ray”, as Dr Celine Darmon, Veterinary Specialist in Dermatology says. OE is one of the most common illnesses presented in small animal practice, affecting up to 20% of our canine patients1. Cytology is a pivotal early step in diagnosing OE in our head-shaking patients, not to mention that becoming a cytology wizard will complement your overall veterinary skills and business.  

Ear exam cheat sheet 

Warn the owner. Let them know this may be painful for their pet, and to prep accordingly (if they need to muzzle their pooch).  

Examine the less irritated ear first. This makes the process smoother and helps with comparisons. 

The magic method: First, visualise the external ear canal with an otoscope – look for foreign bodies, ear mites and polyps and check if the tympanic membrane is intact. With the otoscope in your dominant hand, gently insert the speculum in a downward direction into the vertical ear canal and slowly advance whilst watching through the otoscope – this ensures that you don’t push into the side wall of the canal and cause more pain. Once you reach the 90’ bend, gently lift the ear pinnae to straighten the bend, and turn the corner. 

Things to look out for: Redness, odours (bacteria vs. yeast), discharge, canal stenosis, foreign bodies, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), ulceration, polyps and the degree of erythema.  

Clean as you go. Got a blockage from wax or discharge? Remove your speculum and clean it before proceeding. 

Sometimes sedation is necessary. If your patient is struggling with pain, putting them under can help you clean and examine the ear properly, while minimising distress and discomfort for both pet and pet parent. 

Courtesy is key. Thoroughly clean your equipment inside and out after use. Return everything to its rightful place and place the otoscope handle on charge (if applicable). 

Your best bet 

Neptra’sTM unique formulation makes it the perfect choice for the most commonly found pathogens in mixed infections consisting of cocci bacteria and fungal organisms. If you’re in doubt about your cytology findings, Neptra offers excellent broad spectrum treatment for acute OE cases. Always read and follow label directions.  

Neptra is not recommended in cases with rod-shaped bacteria present on cytology sample, as these may represent gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This product should NOT be used in dogs with perforated/ruptured tympanic membranes.  Culture and sensitivity testing should be performed when appropriate to determine susceptibility of the causative organism(s). Empirical therapy may be instituted before susceptibility results are known, however once results become available, the antimicrobial treatment should be adjusted accordingly. Not for use in cats. 

For further information contact: 1800 995 709 from anywhere in Australia Monday to Friday or email productsupportau@elancoah.com. 

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